City of Kigali to address HIV/AIDS infections among commercial female sex workers

City leaders across the World have signed agreements with United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to fight against AIDS mainly most exposed population on AIDS risk including prostitutes.

Signed agreements include seven articles aimed at supporting cities to combat AIDS to the extent that there will be no new contractions in 2030 while in 2020, 90% of HIV positive population must be aware that they are infected, 90% have to access antiretroviral therapy and 90 % will be protected from sexually transmitted diseases.

While signing agreements yesterday, the mayor of Kigali city Fidele Ndayisaba said that city leaders have committed to sign MoUs in a bid to prevent new infections and provide treatment for HIV positive population.

“Cities must do something out of the ordinary. We will be engaged in population’s behavior change to prevent new contaminations and protect lives of HIV positive residents,” he said.

He further noted that such activities will be extended to all levels concentrating on the population mostly exposed on high risk of infection such as female sex workers.

“We are planning to mobilize female sex workers on how to avoid AIDS and prevent further infections. This will be accomplished through various programs including counseling, financial assistance and supporting them into venturing in income generating projects,” he said.

Dr. Muhayimpundu Ribakare, Head of HIV prevention and treatment at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has revealed that a lot has been done to help boost sex workers’ participation in prevention of AIDS spread including availing health care services to them as well as quick delivery of antiretroviral therapy for new infections.

Michel Sidibé ,the head of UNAIDS has lauded Rwanda’s achievements in fighting HIV/AIDS as well as preventing new infections, all attributed to a committed leadership.

“The leadership of president Kagame has transformed this country. This is reflected in the absence of new transmissions to newly born babies.”

Michel Sidibé noted that 80% of people living with HIV/AIDS do take antiretroviral drugs.